Why does NAMI Central Virginia raise funds?

Since 1984, NAMI has been providing free classes and support groups such as NAMI Family-to-Family, NAMI Peer-to-Peer, NAMI Basics, Hearts & Minds, NAMI Smarts, and several more. Many of these programs are in the National Registry of Best Practices, and are often referred to by participants as "life-changing!" It is often the case that these classes are an individual/family member's first step into the realm of mental health.
Simply put, we need funds to keep providing our programs, classes, supports, and resources! With $2,500, NAMI Central Virginia can:

Cover the cost of a facility for a class
Provide supplies & healthy snacks for a welcoming, therapeutic environment
Provide stipends for Consumers (those receiving mental health services) who teach classes to provide for a meaningful work-experience
Cover the cost of marketing and printing

Our Impact

Studies show that 1 in 4 individuals is affected by mental illness. In Central Virginia alone, that amounts to roughly 400,000 people! Here are some of the ways NAMI Central Virginia impacts the community:

Peer Education - 6 classes annually - 84 people, avg 336 people impacted
Family Education - 6 classes annually - 150 families, avg. 600 people impacted
Peer Support Groups - 91 meetings annually, 516 participants
Family Support Groups - 22 meetings - 172 participants
Info & Resource Book - 5,000+ copies distributed annually
NAMI Basics - 3 classes annually - 30 people, avg. 120 people impacted
NAMI Hearts & Minds